Ghanatodayonline.com News, Politics, Health, Education & More
On Wednesday, security guards allegedly from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) broke into the home of Assin South MP John Ntim Fordjour due to unsubstantiated claims of cocaine trafficking.
Members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) responded quickly to the difficult situation by gathering outside the MP’s house in expression of sympathy.
The visit, which party members have called a “intimidation tactic,” has provoked backlash and concern over the role of state security agencies in what some are calling political harassment. Ntim Fordjour, a reverend minister and senior member of the NPP caucus in Parliament, was not arrested right away.
At a news conference held at Ntim Fordjour’s residence, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin vehemently denounced the NIB’s action, describing it as an unwarranted display of power and a danger to democratic values.
“This morning we heard of this intimidation and harassment from the NIB. We least expect such a step to be taken by government using agents of the state. Our country is a democracy,” he stated.
President John Mahama, whose administration is coming under increasing criticism, was encouraged by Afenyo-Markin to preserve democratic principles and make sure that acts like these don’t damage his legacy.
“If government disagrees with views expressed, it can also tell its side of the story. This is democracy. You don’t invite someone and then show up with about 20 armed men. We don’t need that,” he said.
He disclosed that the security guards have since departed, thereby defusing the situation. To determine the operation’s motivation and legality, the caucus is calling for a bipartisan investigation into the incident.
Rev. Ntim Fordjour, the caucus’s chair of the defense and interior committee, was speaking on behalf of the organization and shouldn’t be singled out for retaliation, Afenyo-Markin reaffirmed.
“He walks with his God and the mighty 88 at his side.” Government officials, please, enough is enough. Put an end to it. Let’s interact. Afenyo-Markin came to the conclusion that “we are political actors”.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
